Opening Up Zephaniah

by Michael Bentley

Publisher:

Day One

, 2008

Overview

When did you last hear a sermon based on a passage from the prophecy of Zephaniah? This is one of the most neglected books in the whole Bible. It was delivered and written after many years of silence from God. The northern kingdom of Israel, or Ephraim, had already been deported by Assyria, never to return. The prophecy of Zephaniah was to be the last given before Judah, the southern kingdom, was taken away into Babylon for seventy years of exile. Here is an easy-to-read treatment of the prophecy which draws clear lines of practical application from the situation to our fast-paced modern life, especially showing how the prophecy points to the only hope of salvation from God's judgment: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Zephaniah’s second cause for rejoicing is because the Lord ‘has turned back [their] enemy’.” (Page 91)

“In order to sustain them when that time arrived, a third blessing was given: ‘The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you.’” (Page 92)

“The first cause for rejoicing given by Zephaniah is this wonderful statement: ‘The Lord has taken away your punishment.’” (Page 89)

“The big problem in Judah during the time of Zephaniah was that true religion was mixed with false religion.” (Page 21)

“It was delivered and written after many years of silence from God. The northern kingdom of Israel, or Ephraim, had already been deported by Assyria, never to return. The prophecy of Zephaniah was to be the last given before Judah, the southern kingdom, was taken away into Babylon for around seventy years of exile.” (Page 9)

Product Details

• Title: Opening Up Zephaniah
• Author: Michael Bentley
• Publisher: Day One
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 112

About Michael Bentley

Michael Bentley worked as a bookshop manager and served in the British army before his call to the ministry. He has a diverse background, which includes freelance religious reporting for national and religious radio and television, being a Religious Education teacher, and holding pastorates in Surrey, South East London, and Berkshire. He is also closely involved with his local community as a member of various committees and councils. His hobbies include singing second bass in the Bracknell Choral Society. Now retired, he still preaches regularly and has a ministry of writing, with some thirteen books in print including Opening Up Amos from the Opening Up Commentary Collection (30 Vols.), and Face2face: David, part of the Face2face Collection. He lives in Bracknell with his wife, Jenny, and has five children and eight grandchildren.